happy birthday Lily!

Lily, as a puppy, before we brought her home.

It is true that I haven’t always liked dogs.  In fact I disliked them.  a lot.  And I was afraid of them even more.

When I was a toddler I had an unhappy experience with my Pappaw’s hunting dog, Sissy.  From that moment on, I avoided dogs – and I do mean ALL dogs.   Just the sound of a dog’s bark would set me on edge.  Even as an adult, if one crossed my path, it was all I could do to not high-tail it in the opposite direction.  Fear reigned in my heart.

I had no idea what I was missing. I did not know what it was like to be loved and adored unconditionally by a puppy.  I did not understand this connection so many people claimed to have with their beloved animals.

Until last year.

Last spring Michael began talking about how our family needed a dog.  I thought he was crazy.  But he researched breeds and breeders and came up with a solution : the perfect solution – our Havanese puppy, Lily, who we found last March, newly born to our friend down in south Georgia.

When it was time to pick her up, the plan was to drive down and bring her home.  She would sit on my lap for the drive.  This was Michael’s plan.  Again, I was not sure he was thinking clearly – he was keenly aware of my struggles.

But, do you know? I picked up our sweet girl – and she just snuggled right into my lap as though she’d always belonged there.  And we made the four hour journey home.  She nestled her little nose right into the crook of my arm and fell asleep.  And I haven’t been nervous or afraid since.   (Well, I do still give the stink-eye to the pit bulls across the street, but I think that is warranted.)

I can’t describe to you just how much we love our Lily.  She has been such a precious addition to our family. But I am also grateful for Lily. This little puppy, a tiny piece of God’s creation has been used to undo my fears.  It has been such a unique time in my life to see just how much God, my heavenly Father, longs to redeem what is wrong and make it right.

Thank you Heavenly Father for the gift of Lily to our family.

And Happy first Birthday, Lily!  We love you!